Battle to avoid bottom spot

Glenrothes await third-frombottom Kirrie Thistle hoping to leapfrog them and thereby move off of the bottom spot in the Super League.

The Glens include new signings Stan Chitemere and Nathan Harley in their squad, and welcome back Scott Napier and Conor Schiavone, but are still without the injured quartet of Aidan Anderson, Graeme Walker, Jordan Leslie and Gav Moffat.

In the DJ Laing East Region Cup, Rosyth, of the South League, head to Kennoway Star Hearts looking to cause an upset against their hosts in a third round tie.

The Recs have been going well recently with Dale Prattis their only absentee, but so too have Hearts, winning three of their last four games.

Meanwhile, Lochgelly Albert, bottom of the South League, have a tough ask in their second round tie away to North League leaders North End – especially as Michael Perrie is injured and Ewan Robertson, Darren Ormiston and Ryan Hughes are all suspended for the game.

Thomson Park hosts a tasty second round Signature Signs Cup clash between old rivals Lochee United and Tayport.

The visitors will be hoping to end the Bluebells’ unbeaten record but that is easier said than done given George Shields’ side have won 18 of their 19 games.

Port boss Steve Kay could make changes following last week’s disappointing second-half performance against Whitburn with Jamie Gill, who returns to the squad, possibly being one of those.

However, there are fitness doubts about Craig Sturrock and Connor Ireland, but everyone else is available.

Luncarty are at home to Violet in the first round of the Signature Signs Cup.

The in-form Bleachers – unbeaten in the league this season – rested striker Richard Doig last week but his return sees them at full strength.

Thornton Hibs are odds-on to win League Cup Section H at Newburgh.

Craig Gilbert’s side have the luxury of being afforded the unlikely scenario of a four-goal defeat and still qualifying.

The Newburgh squad includes new signings brothers Callum and Chad Easton from Hearts of Beath.

Lochore Welfare host Livingston to decide the winner of Section L, with the Fifers in the driving seat.

As long as they avoid defeat, James Adam’s side will top the group.

With leaders North End otherwise engaged, there is a crunch Premier League clash at Scone Thistle who meet fellow promotion contenders East Craigie.

The sides – who drew the first meeting of the season 1-1 – have played the same number of games.

The Perthshire hosts hold a four point advantage and know victory will see them go top.

Subject to him being fit, Thistle’s new signing Lee Maloney could be stripped to face his former club after joining up from Coupar Angus.

Kinnoull must be bankers to collect three points away to Coupar Angus who are still pointless.

George Hughes returns to the Perth squad which could include a new signing.

New recruit Gary Mackie is in the Foxhall squad which will also contain one or two trialists.

Only two points separate Brechin Vics and Blairgowrie, so their clash at Victoria Park looks like being a tight affair.

Blair are without Gordon Pirie and Robbie Hood, who are both working, and the suspended Gordon Norrie.

Kirkcaldy YM are the only Fife club in Premier League South action, welcoming West Calder United as the Denfield side look to arrest a run of five straight league defeats.

Their injury list has only marginally improved with Donald Hyslop and Connor McManus returning but Lewis Ross, Ewan Henderson, Ryan Couser and Sam Gillespie are unavailable.